TENS Hire for Labour
Feeling prepared for labour makes a real difference to how you experience it. A TENS machine is one of the most practical tools you can have ready - drug-free, portable, and something you control yourself. It can be used from the very start of labour at home, before you're anywhere near the hospital, and many women find it helps them stay calm and feel more in control through early contractions. At FitRight, your TENS hire appointment is with a physiotherapist who will make sure you know exactly how to use it before the day arrives - so when labour starts, you're not reading an instruction booklet.
When should I book?
We recommend booking your TENS hire appointment around 36-38 weeks gestation - close enough to your due date that you can take the machine home straight away, but with enough time to feel confident using it. Machines are in high demand. Book early to avoid missing out.
Which TENS hire option is right for you?
TENS Hire Only
Best for: Women who have already covered birth preparation (e.g. through a antenatal class or previous birth) and just need to collect and set up the machine. Includes: How TENS works, safety precautions, machine set-up, electrode placement, and a demonstration.
Time: 20 mins
Consultation fee: $69
Machine hire: $70
TENS Hire + Prep for Birth (existing patients)
Best for: Women who are already patients at FitRight and would like TENS hire combined with birth preparation support. Includes: Everything in the Hire Only appointment, plus pelvic floor assessment, support wear fitting, and postnatal rehabilitation advice.
Time: 50 mins
Consultation fee: from $199 - $229
(Fees vary by treating practitioner)
Machine hire: $70
TENS Hire + Prep for Birth (new patients)
Best for: Women who haven't seen us before and would like a more comprehensive birth preparation appointment alongside their TENS hire. Includes: Everything in the Hire Only appointment, plus pelvic floor assessment, support wear fitting, and postnatal rehabilitation advice. Longer appointment time to allow for a full initial assessment.
Time: 60 mins
Consultation fee: from $229 - $269
(Fees vary by treating practitioner)
Machine hire: $70
Machine hire is $70 for a minimum 4-week period. This includes electrodes ($30) and 4 week's hire ($10/week).
All consultation fees are eligible for private health insurance rebates.
Bring your health fund card. We use code 500 for initial consultations and code 505 for subsequent appointments
Why Use a TENS Machine in Labour?
TENS isn't a replacement for other pain relief - it's something you start using early, at home, before contractions intensify. Many women find it helps them stay comfortable and feel active in managing their labour, especially in the early stages.
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Drug free pain relief option
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Can be used from early labour at home
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Portable, easy to use & operated by you
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May reduce the need for other pain relief options
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Helps many women feel calmer and more in control during contractions
Who should I book with?
Book your TENS Appointment
If you're unsure which appointment to book, call us on (08) 6444 7994 - we're happy to help.
FitRight services for Pregnant women
Pregnancy Physiotherapy - for pelvic girdle pain, back pain, pelvic floor support, and birth prep.
Pregnancy Exercise Classes - physio-led classes at any stage of pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend booking your consultation around 38 weeks gestation.
Yes, you can use private health insurance on the consultation fee portion.
We use code 500 for initial consultations or code 505 for subsequent appointments.
In this appointment, your physiotherapist will cover:
- How TENS works
- Safety precautions when using TENS and check for any contraindications
- Machine set up and demonstration
- Correct electrode placement and demonstration
We use Neurotrac Obstetric TENS machines. For more information about this type of TENS machine see here
Your appointment may include a pelvic floor assessment, support wear fitting, and education and advice around postnatal rehabilitation.
You will also collect your TENS machine at this appointment, usually around 38 weeks gestation.
Your physiotherapist will guide you through how the TENS machine works, safety precautions and contraindications, machine set up and demonstration, and correct electrode placement so you feel confident using it during labour.
Obstetric TENS is safe for most women during labour, however it may not be suitable if you have a pacemaker, certain heart conditions, epilepsy, or broken or irritated skin where the pads would be placed.
TENS should not be used before 37 weeks pregnancy unless advised by your healthcare provider, or in water such as the bath or shower.
If you have any medical concerns or a high-risk pregnancy, please discuss TENS use with your healthcare provider before hiring.
The minimum hire period is 4 weeks. This is usually enough time to cover your due date and the immediate newborn period. If you need it for longer, additional hire can be organised for $10 per week. Please contact us if you need to extend the hire on your TENS machine.
Consultation fees depending on the level of your treating physiotherapist. Please call us on (08) 6444 7994, and we can let you know the fees for your specific appointment before you book.